REPORT: Arsenal and Liverpool battling to sign Barcelona star

Diario Gol – a Spanish outlet – first reported the story, which was then translated via TalkSport.

It suggests that the Croatian midfielder is ready to quit the Nou Camp in light of Philippe Coutinho’s recent arrival, fearing his future game-time may be limited.

The Verdict

With Liverpool having agreed to let Coutinho join Barcelona, any interest in Rakitic may be greeted with warmer reception than Arsenal.

The Reds could make use of their recent dealings and use the Coutinho-deal as leverage for a cut-price deal for Rakitic.

The silky midfielder would be an enormous upgrade on Jordan Henderson in central midfield, but questions would be asked over his diligence to the intense pressing Jurgen Klopp seeks to employ: Rakitic has never been a tenacious midfielder.

His attributes are much better suited to Arsenal’s ideology, but Arsene Wenger already has Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka in Rakitic’s preferred position.

It looks as though should both parties be interested, that it will be Rakitic’s decision where he ends up.